Seoul, South Korea – April 4, 2016

LEE JIYEON | AYAKA

      In Japan, I am a constant achiever in class. I am always in the ranks and if I’m really diligent and I worked hard enough, I would be on the top 5. In school, I would always do my best in everything so I’m also a teacher’s favorite but right now, I don’t think that would be the case. Because for the first time ever, I was sent out of the class! The teacher shouted at me and asked me to go out! Like what the heck, that would be my first time and it’s all because of that nutcase! That jerk is really getting into my nerves and surely, he’s driving me crazy! And because of my irritation towards him, I couldn’t help but to throw him my shoes. It was in an act of impulse. I, myself was surprised with what I did because I never do that, I mean, hurting other people. Maybe I’m just really stressed out with what happened. But because I’m really embarrassed with what I just did, I decided to leave the nutcase even though my shoe is still with him.

      “Yah! Why did you throw this ing shoes at me?!” he shouted from behind.

      “Don’t talk to me!” I shouted back at him.

      I’m too stressed right now and I don’t want to talk to him, or to anybody. I just can’t help but to feel disappointed in myself. I know too well that first impression lasts and I know that I already marked myself to our history teacher. I shouldn’t have let that jerk get into me and I should’ve just ignored him. I was so deep in my thought about everything but I was surprised when something hit my head. I felt a sharp pain at the back of my head and I quickly turned towards my back. What the—?! I searched for the thing that hit me and saw my white sneakers on the floor. Why, this little—I quickly glared at the nutcase and saw him grinning. Did he just throw my shoes back at me?!

      “Yah! What was that for?!” I shouted, angry.

      Can’t he just leave me alone?!

      “Nothing,” he answered as he went closer to my side and grabbed the sneakers in front of me.

      But I was shocked with the next thing that he did. He kneeled in front of me and held my right foot.  I was surprised, causing my heart to beat a little faster. I tried to remove my foot out of his grasp but he held it close and put it inside my shoes. I stared at him, dumbfounded and speechless as he tied my shoes in place. What the heck is he doing?! Is he a bipolar or what? I mean, he just threw me my shoes and now, he’s helping me to put it on!

      He finally stood up after tying my shoelaces and smiled at me, “Come on, let’s go get something to eat.” He grabbed my hand and started dragging me.

      I don’t know where he’s dragging me off to but I surely know that I don’t want to go with him. I started to squirm away from him but he just tightened his hold on me.

      “Hey, where are we going?” I asked as I tried my best to yank my hand away from him.

      “To the nearest café,” he answered.

      We’re going out of the school?!

      I tried harder to remove his iron grip on my wrist, “I can’t! We still have two more subjects before lunch.” I exclaimed but he just ignored me.

      What the heck is he doing?! First, we were sent out of the room because of him and now, we’re going to cut classes?! This guy is seriously a bad influence. I really wanted to get away from him especially now that he’s dragging me into his mischiefs but I didn’t have much option since I got my wrist locked on his iron grip. I finally sighed defeated and just let him drag me outside the school. I wasn’t familiar with the streets and all so I just let this guy in front of me drag me until we reached a small café. We went inside and I couldn’t help but to muse at the pretty pink and yellow wallpaper as well as the sweet aroma of coffee. The jerk finally led me into a chair beside the window but as a gentleman as he is, he didn’t even pull the chair for me.

      “Jerk,” I hissed under my voice and rolled my eyes heavenwards as I sat in front of him, “Why do you want to be here in the café?” I asked.

      “Ayaka,” he called.

      Well, I guess he haven’t forgotten my name yet—quiet impressive, I see.

      He eyed me suspiciously and crossed his arms, “Tell me, are you following me? Why are you here in my school?” he asked.

      I scoffed. That could be the biggest joke someone has ever told me. Following him?! Can he get even more conceited?

      “First of all,” I exclaimed as I let out a heavy sigh, “My name’s Lee Jiyeon and my Japanese name is Ayaka so stop calling me Ayaka since we’re not in Japan,” I told him as I rolled my eyes heavenwards.

      “Well whatever,” he snapped, “Just answer the ing question.” He exclaimed, resting his back on the chair.

      “Personal matters, you don’t have to know.” I dismissed. I quickly grabbed the menu in front of me and spared him a glance, “Why don’t we order something to eat? And will you please stop cussing? My ears hurt from hearing those words!” I exclaimed, irritated.

      He looked at me and just chuckled, “Fine.” He answered back.

      He called the waitress and said his order and by the looks of it, it seems like he’s a regular here. He got himself a coffee and a slice of matcha cake and I, on the other hand got some hot milk and a slice of Chocolate cake. Well, I’m not really a fan of coffees. The waitress smiled and finally left. As soon as the girl left, the jerk turned to me and smirked, a smirk that irks and irritates me.

      “Do you know me?” he asked.

      Why would he ask me that? Of course I don’t know him! Hell, I don’t even care who he is.

      “Nope, I don’t even care.” I answered back.

      “Hello, the name’s Kim Jongin but you can call me Kai. I’m SHS’ baddest bad .” He introduced, the smirk in his face turning into a not-so friendly smile.

      I tried my hard not to laugh at him. I mean, who does that when they introduce their selves? And what, did he just use the word “baddest”? It’s not even a word to start with. I stared at him as he offered me his hand but since I was still irritated by his guts, I just slapped it and crossed my arms.

      “Didn’t you hear me? I said, I don’t care,” I exclaimed, sounding a little bit y.

      I was surprised. I don’t usually use my y tone and now, I just did. This guy seriously makes my foulest attitude come into surface.

       His eyebrows clashed as his forehead creased, “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, probably not expecting me to do that, “I’m trying to be friendly here!” he exclaimed.

      Friend? I don’t make friends with jerks.

      “Yeah right, friendly Mr. Jerk,” I mocked.

      “Jerk?” he asked as his left eyebrow raised, “How many times have you called me that? You called me a jerk in Japan and now here too?” he added.

      Well, what would he expect me to call him after he cheated on his girlfriend?

      “It’s because you’re a jerk! You cheated on your girlfriend, you moron!” I exclaimed.

      “Wait, what?!” he asked, surprised.

      I rolled my eyes heavenwards. Is he deaf, dumb or both? I just hate people who makes me repeat what I just said especially when I spoke clearly.

      “You cheated on your girlfriend!” I repeated.

      “!” he cursed as he leaned back. He eyed me and quickly hit the table, causing me to jump on my chair, “I would never do that! That's the last thing I would do!” he exclaimed, “I can't even tend to be away from her for one ing second, and then cheat on her?" he asked as he let out a sarcastic laugh.

      Tss, crazy monkey.

      “Oh really?” I mocked, “Then why did you deny her in front of your sister? That’s the worst thing to do!” I exclaimed.

      And as soon as I finished my speech, he stared at me and I can see clearly how hurt enveloped his chocolate orbs. He became speechless and looked down. I don’t know what happened to him, did I push a wrong button?

      He fidgeted, trying to find the right things to say. Until he found his voice and stared at me, boring his beautiful Asian eyes, “It’s just that… I can’t tell my sister about her,” he answered.

      He can’t? I was surprised, but at the same time, confused. Why can’t he?

      “W-why not?” I asked.

      He pondered, thinking if it’s okay to tell a complete stranger about this part of his life. He fiddled with his fingers, looking so lost and hurt. Is it that bad to talk about it? Is it a sensitive topic?

      “You don’t have to answer it,” I exclaimed, seeing that he doesn’t want to talk about it.

      He shook his head and finally answered, “My family doesn’t like her to be my girlfriend,” he sighed.

      I was left speechless. I couldn’t find my voice and I don’t know what to say. Should I comfort him? Should I say that it’s going to be okay?

      “Here’s your order, ma’am, sir,” the same waitress from earlier laid down the food in our table and left.

      It suddenly became awkward and it seems that there’s this thin ice surrounding us. I coughed awkwardly and spared him a glance. He was just there, looking at the food.

      I cleared my throat and turned to him, mustering up my courage, “What do you mean?” I asked him.

      He sighed, “Sooyeon is not from a rich family. Her parents are only celebrities and my parents don’t want me to have any relationship with someone lower than me.” He exclaimed.

      I gasped, is he serious?! His family is completely mental! I can’t believe that someone thinks like that. Also, don’t they consider celebrities as rich people?

      “That’s the most absurd thing that I’ve ever heard in my entire life,” I muttered as I take a sip from my hot milk. “Isn’t she hurt?” I asked him, “I mean, it hurts being denied by someone you love,” I added.

      He breathed again and stared at me, “She’s hurt of course, but we’re bearing the pain together.”

      I couldn’t imagine the life that they’re leading together. I mean, having a relationship which is forbidden because of your parents is something I can’t fathom. I don’t know how they can bear with the pain of denial and rejection whenever their parents are involved. The whole time in the café, he told me stories about his girlfriend. I kind of said some advices and comforted him after all the pep talk. Somehow, my irritation towards him lessened since I was the one at fault. I shouldn’t have judge him just by the scene I saw at Japan. After some time, we finally finished eating.

      “Ayaka, thank you for listening to me today,” he told me as we went out of the café.

      “No problem.” I smiled, “And by the way, I wanted to apologize for everything that I’ve said when we were in Japan. Did you understand what I told you?” I asked.

      “Uh-huh,” he answered, nodding, “My sister translated it for me.” He told me as he laughed.

      “I’m really sorry about everything. I guess one lesson that I got there is to never judge someone easily,” I mumbled, “So, are we friends?” I asked him as I offered my hand.

      He smiled and nodded, “Friends,” he exclaimed as he took my hand and shook it.

      We arrived back in school and it was already lunch time. I couldn’t help but to shook my head as I remember that we actually skipped two subjects, great. That would be my first time skipping my class, I just can’t believe it. Great way to start the school year, Lee Jiyeon. We went inside the campus together. We were walking together side by side and I couldn’t help but to notice that every girl was glaring at me. If looks could kill, I would probably be dead by now. Seriously, what’s their problem?

      Kai—I believe his name is—probably saw the look on my face and sensed that something is wrong. He suddenly went close to me, “Get used to it,” he whispered to me.

      I turned to him and looked back at the girls glaring at us, “Why are they glaring at me?” I asked him.

      He smiled smugly, “Because you’re with me,” he exclaimed and left me alone.

      Because I was with him? What does he mean by that? I looked at his back, not understanding any of what he said. Did he just leave me here, dumbfounded?

      “Jiyeon-ah!” I was snapped out of my thoughts when someone called my name.

      I looked back and saw Gayoung running towards me.

      “Gayoung,” I smiled, “Why?” I asked.

      She linked arms with me, surprising me. I mean, we’re not really close and we only met today but I’m happy, don’t misunderstand. I’m relieved that she’s this friendly. Gayoung quickly dragged me towards the cafeteria without saying any words.

      “What’s the matter?” I asked as soon as we sat in one of the tables of the cafeteria.

      Without batting any eyelash, she quickly fired her questions, “Why are you with him? Do you know each other?” she asked.

      What’s up with the sudden questions? I mean, why is everyone so into Kai?

      I eyed her but eventually nodded, “Yeah,” I answered, “I know him. Why?” I asked back.

      “Everyone is thinking that you’re Kai’s new girlfriend!” she exclaimed, “Is it true?” she added.

      What?! I was surprised. What the heck is she saying?! I barely knew that guy and what, girlfriend?! What the freak!

      “No!” I answered defensively, my tone going a little higher, “Of course not! He has a girlfriend, remember?” I asked.

      She shook her head as she eyed me, “Yeah, but many said that he already broke up with Park Sooyeon so everybody assumed that he’s dating you.” She explained.

      After everything that she said, I couldn’t help but to laugh out loud.

      I just laughed at her and shook my head, “Nope,” I exclaimed, popping the ‘p’, “I’ll die first before I become his girlfriend.” I kid.

      She shot me one final glance and sighed, “Fine, I believe you,” she muttered, “Anyway, have you eaten yet?” she asked and I just nodded.

      “We ate together,” I told her.

      She just nodded, “Okay, I’ll just buy myself some food,” Gayoung exclaimed as she left me alone in our table to buy her lunch.

      I can’t believe that I became the center of attention on my first day of school because of that guy. I didn’t know that he is actually a popular here in school. I don’t want to have unnecessary attention so I better stay away from him. But I just can’t believe that people thought that I am his new girlfriend! That’s some serious joke!

      “You sure you don’t want to eat?” Gayoung asked.

      She went back with a plate full of pasta and a red velvet cake. Seriously, she looks like she’s on a diet or what but then, she eats like there’s no tomorrow. I guess we will really click, especially about foods. I just waited for her to finish her lunch and eventually went back to our class which is English. We arrived in our room and went to our designated seats. Once again, I am alone. I sighed and took my phone as I was waiting for the teacher and scrolled through it, however, I was shocked when somebody snatched it from my grip.

      “Yah!” I shouted. I looked up and I was surprised to see Kai in front of me, “What are you doing?!” I asked.

      “Number,” he mumbled.

      I didn’t catch what he just said and I couldn’t help but to shake my head. Tss. What is his problem now?

      “I took your number. I’ll text you later, okay?” he tossed me back my phone and walked out.

      What the hell was that? I shook my head because I can’t really predict that guy. I sighed and just decided to ignore him completely but I guess that would be impossible when I received a text message from an unknown number.

      “The talk and food didn’t pay for what you did in Japan. I’m still thinking about how you will pay for it. Save my number. – Kai”

      My eyebrows knitted together as confusion bottled inside my head. This guy is seriously crazy! What the heck? I thought we already settled our business?!

      “Good afternoon class,” I was startled when our teacher came in.

      I quickly hid my phone inside my bag and focused on the lecture. Well, I don’t want to be sent outside again, now would I? The teacher started her lectures but it was cut short when she needed to leave since she has some meeting to attend to. She just left us homework to do and finally dismissed us. I was quiet relieved since I’m not really in the mood for some crazy lecture. I’m still adjusting from everything. Some of my classmates went out of the room, as well as Gayoung to spend their free time in the cafeteria or probably just outside. I, on the other hand decided to stay and text Kai back.

      “I thought we already made it clear? You even agreed to be my friend!” I sent my message and sighed in anger.

      I just couldn’t fully understand that guy. Doesn’t he know the saying, “Forgive and forget”?

      “Hey, do you have any problem?” I turned to my side and saw Gayoung.

      I just smiled awkwardly and shook my head, “Naah, it’s nothing.” I answered back.

      I didn’t want to tell her that her great classmate is actually bothering me.

      “Kai’s not here again?” she asked when she realized that Kai wasn’t beside me. “He really loves to cut classes,” she laughed.

      The day went by so fast and it’s already dismissal time. I can’t believe that I survived one day in that jungle of a school. There’s too much that happened today. First, I was sent out of the room. Second, people thought that I’m dating Kai, like what the heck?! Lastly, that guy just threatened me that I will pay for what I did to him in Japan and I just realized that he’s too involved in my life today. I just can’t believe it. Right now, I decided to go home alone so that I’ll be able to learn to go home by my own and good thing that it was an easy thing to do. I just took a bus and walked in our neighborhood. I don’t know but after commuting, the thought of living here in Korea has finally sunk in. You may be thinking that it’s my first time here in Korea but it’s not. I have been here for several times already but it’s different now since I’m actually here to live with my sister and it just makes a lot more difference. I arrived home and found nobody. I guess Keiko-chan went to our company here in Seoul, I just hope that she arrives home before dinner. It’s kind of weird to arrive home without anyone greeting you, especially my brother’s loud pop songs. It’s only been a week but I already missed my family so badly. I sighed and decided to just brush everything off. I wouldn’t want to bawl my eyes out because I miss my mother. I went to my room and changed into my usual clothes like oversized shirt and shorts. I quickly tied my hair into a messy bun and went downstairs to cook for dinner so that when Keiko-chan arrives, we just need to eat. I guess I’ll just cook Kimchi stew for tonight. I was on my way to the kitchen and I was going down the stairs when the doorbell suddenly rang. Who could that be? I looked at the clock and it was exactly 6:00 pm. Is it Keiko-chan or Seojoon-oppa?  I continued on my way and went straight to the door and opened it. As soon as I opened it, a guy’s voice welcomed me.

       “Ooh y,” I looked in front and—“Ahhhhh!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.

2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?